The Sapphire Rose (The Elenium)

by David Eddings

Book Overview

Finally the knight Sparhawk had come to possess Bhelliom, legendary jewel of magic that alone could save Queen Ehlana from the deadly poison that had felled her father. Sparhawk and Sephrenia, ageless... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 034537472X
• Release Date: November 1992
• Publisher: Del Rey
• Length: 512 Pages
• Weight: 0.57 lbs.
• Dimensions: 6.8" x 1.3" x 4.2"

Customer Reviews

Won't disappoint

This is the last book in The Elenium and so all loose ends are getting tied. Sparhawk must save his pretty, young Queen, and this is accomplished pretty much in the first five minutes and for the rest of the book we watch as Sparhawk must save the world from the evil God, Azash and his underlings, Adus, Krager and Sparhawks sworn enemy, and one time friend, Martel. He must play a game he doesn't like, waiting for Martel to make his move and to follow him and try to stop him. He must do this without getting killed (his wife would NOT appreciate that) or allwing Azash to get his hands on the Sapphire Rose, or Bhelliom, the most powerful object in the world. Surprisingly, there is also a moment towards the end of the novel when you will need a tissue or two. All in all, this was a great book and has firmly cemented its place as one of my all time favourite books. If you're thinking about reading this book, then stop thinking and start doing, you don't know what you are missing out on.

My favorite Eddings book ever!

The "Sapphire Rose", of course, is the Bhelliom, an object of such enormous power that worlds literally revolve around it and Gods have fought wars for it. All Sparhawk cares about, though, is that it is the one thing that can save the life of his poisoned Queen, Ehlana. Ehlana's healed pretty early in, which leaves the rest of the book for Sparhawk to vanquish evil, destroy the Bad Guys, etc etc. See, once the Bhelliom resurfaces, Azash, the evil God of the Zemochs, knows who's got it. Since Bhelliom is the one thing Azash needs to free himself from his prison and take over the world, he's a little interested in getting Sparhawk to give it to him - or wresting it from his cold, dead hands, whichever's easiest. To that extent, there's a long, protracted section of the book devoted to the election of the Archprelate (the equivalent of the Pope) in the Holy City. If Annias, who secretly worships Azash, can buy enough votes, he wins, and Azash gets Bhelliom. So before Sparhawk can go off and kick immortal butt, he and his buddies have to head off this impending disaster first. It's political, it's complicated, and there are long sections where nothing happens but debate and voting. But it's also intelligent, witty, and gives several characters (including Ehlana) a chance to shine. Put it this way - if you think the political stuff in "Star Wars" is too complicated, you'll hate this part of the book. But if you enjoy that stuff, as I do, and seeing how wars are won by more than sword-waving, this book is fantastic. Of course, there's real action, too - Sparhawk does face down Azash, with some help (of course). Ehlana and Sparhawk get married - their love story is both awkward and romantic, and quite cute. And someone dies - I can't say who, but I cried when I read it. (And there's no "Man-with-two-lives" business as in the Belgariad.) The best book in a great series!

Umpossible!!

You know, when you read a lot of fantasy novels like I do, you can predict what will happen. But Eddings' fantasy books are a great surprise each time. It's unbelievable how an author can maintain his talent and come up with new stories each time. Usually the author uses his past descriptions over again, but it isn't the case with Eddings. I've read The Belgariad and The Malloreon which is totally different from this series. This series is based on medievil times and it feels like Eddings takes us back to the 13th century where warriors battled with swords and axes instead of guns.I also liked the way Eddings divides his characters in categories by their religion like Elenes and Styrics and Zemochs. (just remember, patriarch is pronounced Patriark)This book is an overall 4.5 on 5 (round to the nearest whole number), except I thought the last battle could of used more juice to it. I touch you, you die, really disappointed me. One major sad part could of had made me shed tears but I'm a guy, and its just not right for us guys to do that. (you could feel it inside, though)Eddings has done it once again, I felt The Malloreon wasn't as good as The Belgariad so I didnt review it, I hope this isn't the case for The Tamuli. Please Goddess Aphrael, make The Tamuli as good as The Elenium!

simply wonderful

The Elenium series was definitely one of the best fantasy series I have ever read. Eddings inserts humor in every line; there is a lingering amount of his own wit in every character which I found simply fascinating. My love for enchantment as well as the knights of the Medieval era was realized in this series--no small feat by any means. I recommend this series--Diamond Throne, Ruby Knight, and Sapphire Rose to anyone who appreciates magic, adventure, comedy, and romance in the same book.

Eddings Best

Once again, David Eddings has surpassed the standard for the fantasy book genre. In The Sapphire Rose, Eddings' characters stand out better than ever. His characterization is bold, and yet all of the characters are similar in terms if audacity, wit, and sense of humor. Insiginificant characters from previous novels are finally appearing in major roles. And once again, Sparhawk and Elahna's witty battles add new spice to this already fantastic series. Despite the fact that this is the 3rd novel based around the adventures of Sparhawk, its just as original and intriguing as the first. In my humble opinion, Eddings has unleashed a whole new world of fantasy, and The Sapphire Rose has completed yet another superb series of fantasy novels. Bravo.